[RealGM]

Reshaping a winner
Authored by Curtis A. Clark - 12th September, 2006

The Detroit Pistons will have a new starting five for the first time since the beginning of the 2003-2004 season. The departure of the franchise’s face, starting center Ben Wallace, has left a gapping hole in the middle of the Pistons defense.

If Detroit wasn’t fully committed to scoring more last season they will have no choice this season. Here is how the roster breaks down and what each position will need to do in order to keep the Pistons on top...

The last the thing the Pistons need is for Bonzie Wells to sign with the Heat to give them that extra slasher that we don't have. Doesn't Joe have anything we can offer him?? If he signs with them for that $1.8 mill lower level sal cap exceptionshoot somebody

Bonzi Wells' agent talking to Heat: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

I think this is an insightful analysis of our defensive predicament. The transition from DEEETROIT BAAASKETBAAALL to whatever this team will become next will be both maddening and fascinating. I like that this article notes that the fans will have to make the transition with the team and that it'll be difficult for those of us who prefer the signature Pistons defensive style to anything else in the NBA.

I expect Nazr Mohammad to play with a new found (for him) passion. Hopefully he buys into our concept of "hustle." Former Pistons Dennis Rodman, Jerome Williams in addition to Big Ben should be his "role models."

Nazr don't have to be another "Ben." A new, improved, and motivated "Nazr" would be perfectly acceptable to me. A guy who forms part of a core of solid big men to complement our upcoming lotto selected/traded-for legit big man. It's a golden opportunity for Nazr. Let's see if he's got the gumption to go for it.

THE OFF-SEASON: It's report card time for summer school

link: THE OFF-SEASON: It's report card time for summer school

Wow, B-.

Me thinks this lady is smokin' the sticky icky.

She's drinking the Pistons Kool-Aid for sure. I can't think of a worse off-season since I started following the team.

From NY Daily:

It just wouldn't be the start of training camp without a coach or two on the hot seat.

Isn't that right, Flip Saunders?

After their conference finals flameout, the Pistons forced Saunders to fire his long-time, right-hand man, Don Zierden, and they would have made him ax Sidney Lowe, too, if Lowe hadn't seen what was happening and wisely fled for the North Carolina State head coaching job. At last check, it was Saunders who burned out his starters in the regular season, contributing to their dead legs against the Heat, but Zierden unjustly ended up as the fall guy.

Saunders enters his second season in Detroit with the organization wondering if he's tough enough to deal with his veteran players, while ex-Bucks head coach Terry Porter and Dave Cowens join the bench as assistants. If the Pistons are struggling into January, Saunders is going the way of the Edsel, with Porter considered the favorite to inherit the job, although Bill Laimbeer is also waiting in the wings.

As for Saunders, he knows where he stands. He has his eye on returning to the University of Minnesota, his alma mater, where his connections still run deep.

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With politicians the future lies ahead

Loving that.

Any of it. We should disinfect the Palace after he's gone to get rid of any residual wimpyzonejumpshooting cooties.